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Alexey PoltoraninKazakhstani skier
Date of Birth: 29.04.1987
Country:  Kazakhstan |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Olympic Games
- World Championships
- Asian Winter Games
- World Cup
- Equipment and Legacy
Early Life and Career
Alexey Poltoranin is a renowned Kazakhstani cross-country skier who has achieved significant success throughout his career.
Olympic Games
Poltoranin has represented Kazakhstan at three Olympic Winter Games: Turin in 2006, Vancouver in 2010, and Sochi in 2014. His first appearance in Turin saw him finish 39th in the 15-kilometer classical race. At the Vancouver Olympics, he excelled in three disciplines: 14th in the 15-kilometer freestyle, and 5th in both the individual and team sprint.
World Championships
Poltoranin has taken part in four World Championships. At Sapporo in 2007, he placed 17th in the sprint and 32nd in the pursuit. His 2009 performance in Liberec included a 16th-place finish in the 15-kilometer classical race and 7th in the team sprint.
A notable highlight came at the 2013 World Championships in Val di Fiemme. In the individual sprint, despite a broken pole, he advanced to the semifinals but missed the final. However, in the team sprint with Nikolai Chebotko, they secured a bronze medal, finishing behind Russia and Sweden. Additionally, Poltoranin captured another bronze in the 50-kilometer classical race.
Asian Winter Games
Poltoranin has also triumphed at the Asian Winter Games. In 2007, he earned a silver medal in the sprint and went on to dominate the 2011 games in Astana and Almaty, winning four golds and a bronze.
World Cup
Poltoranin made history in 2010 when he claimed his first World Cup victory in the 15-kilometer interval start race in Davos, Switzerland. Specializing in sprint events, his success in a longer distance race came as a surprise.
The 2011-2012 season brought another victory in the 15-kilometer pursuit race in Kuusamo, Finland. He also captured bronze in the 15-kilometer mass start race in Rogla, Slovenia.
Poltoranin's career reached its peak in the 2012-2013 season. He placed second in the 15-kilometer freestyle race in Gällivare, Sweden, and briefly led the overall standings. At the prestigious Tour de Ski, he won two classic stages in Italy. He continued his winning streak with a 15-kilometer mass start classic race victory in La Clusaz and a sprint classic victory in Davos.
Poltoranin finished the 2011/2012 season ranked 26th in the overall standings (368 points), and the 2012/2013 season ranked 4th (995 points).
Equipment and Legacy
Poltoranin uses Fischer skis and Alpina boots. His achievements and contributions to the sport of cross-country skiing have solidified his place as one of Kazakhstan's most celebrated athletes.
